Automatic chemical handling nozzle



Jan. 29; 1963 A. BOTKIN 3,075,563

' AUTOMATIC CHEMICAL HANDLING NOZZLE Filed Feb. 27, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 82 FIG-I INVEN TOR. LAWRENCE A. BOTKIN y d 7W 0% ATTORNEYS L. A. BOTKIN AUTOMATIC CHEMICAL HANDLING NOZZLE Jan. 29, 1963 Filed Feb. 27. 1961' 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 z a u aa sw INVENTOR. LAWRENCE A. BOTKIN Bi'm United States Patent (ihio Filed Feb, 27, 1961, er. No. 91,743 13 Claims. (l. 141-269) This invention relates to automatic fluid dispensing nozzles of the self-tripping type and is particularly concerned with such a nozzle especially adapted for handling corrosive chemicals or liquids in which the introduction of air would be undesirable.

Automatic nozzles of the nature with which the present invention is concerned are known and generally constitute a nozzle having a valve which can be manually opened and which is automatically tripped closed when the liquid in the container being filled reaches a predetermined level. Ordinarily, the liquid being dispensed by the nozzle passes through a venturi portion in the nozzle wherein a low pressure is created which low pressure is conveyed to a diaphragm tripping device that will trip the nozzle closed upon the establishment therein of a predetermined low pressure.

The vacuum at the diaphragm is relieved by a relief tube leading from the diaphragm to the desired filling level in the container, and when the liquid reaches this level, the relief tube is closed off whereupon the vacuum builds up at the diahpragm and actuates the diaphragm tripping mechanism.

An arrangement of this nature is satisfactory for a great many liquids but is faulty under certain other conditions, and it is in connection with the correction of the shortcomings of this type of nozzle that the present invention is concerned.

A problem encountered when using ordinary auto matic nozzles with certain fluids is that the nozzle introduces air into the liquids being handled on account of the continuous supply of air that is drawn into the liquid at the venturi portion of the nozzle. This added air, with certain liquids, results in excessive foaming and evaporation and can lead to false tripping of the nozzle if the foam should close off the vacuum relief tube. Also, this araugement becomes inoperative at low flow rates which might be encounteredin dispensing certain chemicals.

With corrosive chemicals, it is important that the operating mechanism of the valve or nozzle be maintained clean and in good operating condition at all times, and with conventional nozzles, this can be dillicult on account of the fact that the air flow passages and vacuum relief passages are embodied directly in the body of the valve or nozzle.

Having the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel type automatic tripping valve or nozzle which overcomes the drawbacks referred to above that are encountered with ordinary self-tripping nozzles.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a self-tripping automatic nozzle in which the venturi portion in the nozzle passage is eliminated thereby eliminating the loss of head encountered in passing the liquid being dispensed through the venturi portion.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of an automatic self-tripping nozzle in which the automatic tripping mechanism is so constructed and arranged that it can readily be removed from the body of the nozzle for cleaning, adjustment, or repair.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of an automatic self-tripping nozzle in which it is relatively simple to cl an the automatic tripping mechanism Patented Jan. 23, 1963 vacuum chamber and the vacuum relief passage without disassembling the nozzle.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of an automatic self-tripping nozzle which will automatically trip closed in case the nozzle is dropped, or laid down on its side without being shut off.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a nozzle according to this invention partly broken away to show the mechanism of the valve;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view indicated by line 22 on FIGURE 1 showing the vacuum trip mechanism of the valve;

FIGURE 3 is a plan sectional View indicated by line 3-49 on FIGURE 1 showing the vacuum trip mechanism and the air and vacuum passages leading thereto;

FEGURE 4 is a sectional view indicated by line 44 of FIGURE 1 showing the connection of the manual lever with the movable valve member of the nozzle; and

FIGURE 5 is an exploded perspective view, partly in section, showing the portion of the automatic tripping mechanism that can readily be detached from the body of the automatic nozzle.

Referring to the drawings somewhat more in detail, the automatic nozzle illustrated in the drawings, comprises a body ltl having a discharge tube 12'. leading therefrom and also comprising a supply tube portion 14- to which a supply hose 16 is attached by nut 18. The body 1%? of the nozzle has therein a valve seat 2i) with which a valve member 22 cooperates. Member 22 has a stem 24 extending sealingly out through the top of the valve body into a cap 26 Within which there is a spring 23 continuously biasing the valve member toward its closed position.

Cap 26 is slotted, as will be seen at 3% in FIGURE 4, and mounted about the cap is a manual lever 32 having actuating members, such as screw means 34 connected with the lever and extending through the slots and attached to collar 35 that is fixed to stem 24 of the valve member.

The lever 32 on one side of the cap 26 is formed for manual actuation and on the other side of cap 26 is pivoted to a link 38 that extends upwardly from the end of the lever into pivotal engagement with a rectangular plunger 43d. Rectangular plunger 46 extends into a rectangular bore in a bushing 42 mounted in portion 44 of the nozzle body.

As will be seen in ElGURE 2, bushing 49 is laterally slotted at 46 for receiving the rollers 48 extending laterally of the axis of plunger 49 and bushing 42.

Plunger 4d forms a movable fulcrum member for lever 32. Plunger as is also laterally slotted at 50 for receiving the rollers 48 and this arrangement forms a releaseable latch which normally retains plunger i in its FEGURES l and 2 position. A spring 52 acting on the plunger urges it normally into its FEGURES l and 2 position so that with the plunger held in this position, lever 32 can be actuated to lift the valve member 22 oil its seat.

With the valve member 2?; opened, however, withdrawing of rollers i3 from notch Sil of plunger as will permit spring 28 acting on the valve member to prevail over spri gSZ to close the valve member regardless of the pb sition of the right end of lever 32.

Rollers 48 are mounted on a carrier 54 attached to one side of a diaphragm 56. Diaphragm 56 is mounted over a depression in the side portion as of the body and is clamped sealingly in place thereon by a block 53 attached to portion 4 of the nozzle body by the cap screws 69.

Block 58 has a recess 62 therein adjacent the diaphragm in which is located a compression spring 64- that normally urges the diaphragm toward plunger thereby to push rollers 28 into slot 5% of the plunger.

Upon the development of a predetermined low pressure in recess 62, the diaphragm will flex into the recess 62 and withdraw the rollers 43 from slot 56} thereby re leasing plunger ll) to release the valve member 22 for closing thereof, as described above.

According to the present invention, the control of the low pressure in recess 62 is entirely independent of the flow of liquid through the flow passage of the nozzle. This is accomplished by developing the low pressure from an independent supply of air. This is done with a jet and diffuser combination which is well known in the pump art but which has not heretofore been utilized for the purpose of controlling an automatic self-tripping nozzle in the same way as it is done according to the present invention.

Reference to FIGURES 1 through 3 will show that there is a source of air under pressure, such as tank '76 supplied by compressor 72, that is connected with a fitting '74 carried by the nozzle body that communicates with a passage 76 therein that leads through a needle valve 78 to a valve member 313 normally urged into closed position by a spring 82. Valve member 8% is aligned with stem 24 of the valve member and is normally slightly spaced therefrom when the valve member is closed.

An adjusting screw 84 in the lower end of valve member 30 is effective for adjusting this spacing so that it is insured that valve member 8% will be closed when valve member 22 is closed. A washer 86 carried by valve member so is provided for ready manual actuation of the valve member 86, as will be explained hereinafter.

Beyond valve member 80, the air supply passage is connected with a passage $3 that leads from the nozzle body into block 58 and thence to a bore 90 in the block.

In bore 90 in the block is a plug element 92 having an annular groove 94 that communicates with the end of passage 83. This annular groove, in turn, communicates by way of bore $6 with an elongated bore in plug member 92 that includes a venturi portion 98. Extending into the throat of the venturi portion is a nozzle too that is sealingly mounted in the bore extendin through the plug member 92 and which nozzle has an axial passage 1% communicating with annular groove 164 in the outside of the nozzle member and which annular groove, in turn, communicates with a lateral bore 1% in plug member 92 that is connected by passage 108 with recess 62 behind the diaphragm. Recess 62 is also connected by passage lit with vacuum relief tube 112 sealingly connected to plug member 92 by a nut and packing arrangement 114.

Suitable sealing means, such as O-rings, are mounted about the nozzle member and plug member to seal these elements in their respective bores and a set screw 116 is provided to retain plug member 92. in the bore in the block 58 and while providing a simple means of releasing the plug member from the block for cleaning purposes.

The vacuum relief tube 112 leads along dischar e spout l2 and is clamped thereto by clamp means 118 at the lower end. The lower end of the vacuum relief tube opens downwardly so that whenever the liquid being dispensed by the nozzle reaches the lower end of the vacuum relief tube, movement of air through the vacuum relief tube will be interrupted.

The vacuum relief tube has at its lower end a fitting 124 in which there is a ball 122 that is normally ineflt'ective for closing the vacuum relief tube, but which will close on a seat in the upper portion of fitting 124 in case the nozzle is dropped and falls over on its side, or is laid down on its side without releasing lever 32.

In operation, as the lever 32 is released, spring 52 will move plunger to its upper FIGURES 1 and 2 position so that rollers 43 will engage slot so of the plunger. The lever 32 can now be actuated by holding the nozzle by the hand vgra-spable portion 121 thereof and pulling the lever upwardly by the fingers. This will open valve member 22 and, on account of the upward movement of stem 24, will also open valve member 89'. Liquid will now flow through the ilow passage of the nozzle, while, simultaneously, air will be supplied through passage 76 past needle valve 18 and valve member 80 to passage 88 thence into annular groove 94 and therefrom through bore 96 to the inlet of the venturi passage 98.

The flowing :air will create a reduced pressure in the throat of the venturi passage which will be communicated through bore MP2 of nozzle ltlil to annular groove 104 of the nozzle and therefrom through the passages 1% and to recess 62 at the back side of the diaphragm and also through passage lltl to the vacuum relief tube 2312. So long as the relief tube 112. is unobstructed, this vacuum is relieved and spring 64 will maintain diaphragm 56 in its latching position.

Upon obstruction of tube 1312, however, either by the liquid level in the container being filled closing oil the lower end thereof, or by ball 122 being moved against its seat, lair flow in tube 112 will be interrupted and the vacuum will build up in recess 62 behind the diaphragm and withdraw rollers 48 from notch 50 thereby permitting the nozzle valve member 22 to close and interrupt the passage of fluid through the nozzle.

It will be noted that the vacuum relief tube is on the opposite side of the nozzle from the operator thus providing safety in handling of the nozzle and it will also be noted that the control vacuum is independent of flow rates through the nozzle and that all of the automatic tripping mechanism can readily be removed from the nozzle and dismantled for cleaning or repair.

A feature of the present invention resides in the fact that valve member 8% can readily be lifted by washer 86 at any time to provide a supply of compressed air to the tripping mechanism for blowing it out, and the entire mechanism, including the vacuum relief tube, can be blown out in this manner, erely by opening the valve member 8%} While simultaneously closing the discharge end of venturi passage as which can be done by placing a finger over the venturi passage.

It will be noted that whenever the valve member 22 is closed, the air valve is closed thus eliminating wasting of the compressed air.

Inasmuch as the tripping mechanism operates from an independent supply of air and is made detachable from the nozzle body, a standard design of the nozzle assem bly and of the tripping mechanism can be-arrived at which permits the same tripping mechanism to be utilized on nozzles of different sizes and types thereby greatly reducing the cost of producing the various types of valves while retaining all of the advantages of the independently air operated tripping mechanism referred to.

It has been found that the disclosed nozzle is of great benefit in connection with the handling of various types of chemicals and petroleum derivatives and the like.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to diiferen-t usages and conditions; and, accordingly, it is desired to compreend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an automatic nozzle having an automatic trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a reduced pressure for actuating said trip mechanism; means entirely independent of the flow passage through the nozzle for controlling the pressure on said diaphragm, said means comprising a venturi element outside the nozzle flow passage and having its outlet end open to the atmosphere, an air supply channel leading to the venturi sevases inlet, a passage leading from the venturi throat to said diaphragm, a valve normally closing said air supply channel, and means operable in response to the opening of said nozzle for opening said valve.

2, In an automatic nozzle having an automatic trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a reduced pressure for actuating said trip mechanism; means entirely independent of the flow passage through the nozzle for controlling the pressure on said diaphragm, said means comprising a venturi element outside the nozzle flow passage and having its outlet end open to the atmosphere, an air supply channel leading to the venturi inlet, a passage leading from the venturi throat to said diaphragm, a valve in said air supply channel normally closing said channel, said nozzle having a movable valve member, and means operatively connecting the valve member with the said valve for opening and closing said valve simultaneously With the opening and closing of said Valve member.

3. In an automatic nozzle having an automatic trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a reduced pressure for actuating said trip mechanism; means entirely independent of the ilow passage through the nozzle for controlling the pressure on said diaphragm, said means comprising a venturi element outside the nozzle flow passage and having its outlet end open to the atmosphere, an air supply channel leading to the venturi inlet, a passage leading from the venturi throat to said diaphragm, a first reciprocable valve mem er in the air supply channel normally closed to interrupt the channel, a second reciprocable valve member in the nozzle normally closed to interrupt the nozzle flow passage, and means operatively connecting said valve members so opening movement of the nozzle valve member will be accompanied by opening movement of said first valve member.

4. In an automatic nozzle having an automatic trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a reduced pressure for actuating said trip mechanism; means entirely independent of the flow passage through the nozzle for controlling the pressure on said diaphragm, said means comprising a venturi element outside the nozzle flow passage and having its outlet end open to the atmosphere, an air supply channel leading to the venturi inlet, a passage leadin from the venturi throat to said diahpragm, a first reciprocable valve member in the air supply channel normally biased closed to interrupt the channel, a second reciprocable valve member in the nozzle normally biased closed to interrupt the nozzle iiow passage, and means operatively connecting said valve members so opening movement of the nozzle valve member will be accompanied by opening movement of said first valve member, there being means in said air supply channel for controlling the rate of air flow therethrough.

5. In an automatic nozzle having an automatic trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a reduced pressure for actuating said trip mechanism; means entirely independent of the flow passage through the nozzle for controlling the pressure on said diaphragm, said means comprising a venturi element outside the nozzle flow passage, an air supply channel leading to the venturi inlet, a passage leading from the venturi throat to said diaphragm, a first reciprocable valve member in the air supply channel normally biased closed to interrupt the channel, a second reciprocable valve member in the nozzle normally biased closed to interrupt the nozzle flow passage, and said valve members being substantially aligned in end to end relation whereby said second valve member in moving in its opening direction will abut and open said first valve member.

6. in an automatic nozzle havin a vacuum operated automatic trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a predetermined reduced pressure for actuating said trip mechanism to effect closing of the nozzle; means entirely separate and independent of the flow passage through the nozzle for controlling the pressure on said diaphragm, said means comprising a venturi element outside the nozzle flow passage, an air supply channel leading to the inlet of said venturi element to create a reduced pressure in the venturi throat as air flows through the venturi element, a nozzle extending into said venturi threat, a channel leading through the nozzle and to the said diaphragm to convey the reduced pressure in the venturi throat to the diaphragm, a vacuum relief tube leading from the diaphragm to a point on the nozzle corresponding to the desired filling level, said diaphragm being located at one side of the body of the nozzle, a block mounted on the body of the nozzle sealingly clamping the diaphragm to the body and comprising a recess Which the diaphragm closes to which the said reduced pressure is conveyed, and said venturi element and said nozzle member and said vacuum relief tube being at tached to said block for removal from the nozzle body as a unit.

7. In an automatic nozzle having a vacuum operated automatic trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a predetermined reduced pressure for actuating said trip mechanism to effect closing of the nozzle; means entirely separate and independent of the flow pas sage through the nozzle for controlling the pressure on said diaphragm, said means comprising a venturi element outside the nozzle fiow passage, on air supply channel leading to the inlet of said venturi element to create a reduced pressure in the venturi throat as air flows through the venturi element, a nozzle extending into said venturi threat, a channel leading through the nozzle and to the said diaphragm to convey the reduced pressure in the venturi throat to the diaphragm, a vacuum reliei tube leading from the diaphragm to a point on the nozzle corresponding to the desired filling level, said diaphragm being located at one side of the body of the nozzle, a block mounted on the body of the nozzle sealingly clamping the diaphragm to the body and comprising a recess which t. e diaphragm closes to which the said reduced pressure is conveyed, and said venturi element and said nozzle member and said vacuum relief tube being attached to said block for removal from the nozzle body as a unit, said nozzle comprising a nozzle valve memher and there being another valve member in the air supply channel normally closed and operatively connected with the nozzle valve member so as to be opened thereby when the nozzle is opened.

8. In an automatic nozzle having a vacuum operated trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a predetermined reduced pressure actuating said trip mechanism into nozzle closed position; said nozzle comprising a body having an inlet and a discharge spout, a block mounted on the nozzle body, said diaphragm being clamped between the block and the nozzle body, a

bore in said block, a plug element detachably mounted in said bore, a venturi element in said plug member, a source of air under pressure, an air supply channel connecting said source of air with the inlet of said venturi element to create a reduced pressure in the throat thereof, a passage leading from the throat of said venturi element through the plug and block to said diaphragm, and a vacuum relief tube communicating with the last mentioned channel and connected with said block and leading along and being attached to said discharge spout.

9. In an automatic nozzle having a vacuum operated trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a predetermined reduced pressure actuating said trip mechanism into nozzle closed position; said nozzle comprising a body having an inlet and a discharge spout, a block mounted on the nozzle body, said diaphragm being clamped between the block and the nozzle body, a bore in said block, a plug element detachably mounted in said bore, a venturi element in said plug member, a source of air under pressure, an air supply channel connecting said source of air with the inlet of said venturi element aovaeea to create a reduced pressure in the throat thereof, a passage leading from thet hroat of said venturi element through the plug and block to said diaphragm, and a vacuum relief tube communicating with the last mentioned channel and connected with said block and leading along and being attached to said discharge spout, the end of said vacuum relief tube opposite its connection with said block having a valve seat thereon and a cage beneath the seat having a valve member therein whereby the vacuum relief tube will be closed by the said valve member when the nozzle is turned on its side.

10. In an automatic nozzle having a vacuum operated trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a predetermined reduced pressure actuating said trip mechanism into nozzle closed position; said nozzle compising a body having an inlet and having a discharge spout extending downwardly, a block detachably mounted on the side of said nozzle body, said diaphragm being clamped between the block and the body, said block having a recess to which the diaphragm is exposed in which the reduced pressure for actuating the trip mechanism is developed, a venturi element in said block having its discharge end opening to the atmosphere, an air supply line leading to the inlet end of said venturi element, a vacuum passage leading from the throat of said venturi element to said recess, a vacuum relief tube leading from said recess along said discharge spout to a predetermined point therealong, a normally closed valve member in said air supply line, a nozzle valve member in the nozzle body also normally closed, means operatively connecting said valve members for simultaneous opening and closing movements thereof, and said valve member in the air supply passage being operable manually independently of the nozzle valve member.

11. In an automatic nozzle having a vacuum operated trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a predetermined reduced pressure actuating said trip mechanism into nozzle closed position; said nozzle comrising a body having an inlet and having a discharge spout extending downwardly, a block detachably mounted on the side of said nozzle body, said diaphragm being clamped between the block and the body, said block havlog a recess to which the diaphragm is exposed in which the reduced pressure for actuating the trip mechanism is developed, a venturi element and said block having its discharge end opening to the atmosphere, an air supply line leading to the inlet end of said venturi element, a vacuum passage leading from the throat of said venturi element to said recess, a vacuum relief tube leading from said recess along said discharge spout to a predetermined point therealong, a normally closed valve member in said air supply line, a nozzle valve member in the nozzle body also normally closed, means operatively connecting said valve members for simultaneous opening and closing movements thereof, and said valve member in the air supply passage being operable manually independently of the nozzle valve tnember, said block having a bore therein, a plug member detachably mounted in said bore, and said venturi element being formed in said plug member.

12. in an automatic nozzle having a vacuum operated trip mechanism that includes a diaphragm responsive to a predetermined reduced pressure actuating said trip mechanism into nozzle closed position; said nozzle comprising a body having an inlet and having a discharge s out extending downwardly, a block detachably mounted on the side of said nozzle body, said diaphragm being clamped between the block and the body, said block having a recess to which the diaphragm is exposed in which the reduced pressure for actuating the trip mechanism is developed, a venturi element in said block having its discharge end opening to the atmosphere, and air supply line leading to the inlet end of said venturi element, a vacuum passage leading from the throat of said venturi element to said recess, a Vacuum relief tube leading from said recess along said discharge spout to a predetermined point therealong, a normally closed valve member in said air supply line, a nozzle valve member in the nozzle body also normally closed, means operatively connecting said valve members for simultaneous opening and closing movements thereof, and said valve member in the air supply passage being operable manually independently of the nozzle valve member, said block having a bore therein, a plug member detachably mounted in said bore, and said venturi element being formed in said plug member, said air supply passage extending into the nozzle body and thence through said block to said plug member and the valve member in said air supply passage also being in said nozzle body whereby said block or said plug member can be removed from the nozzle body without disturbing the valve memer in the air supply passage.

13. A device adapted for attaching to an automatic tripping nozzle and operable for developing the reduced pressure to effect the actuation of the tripping mechanism of the nozzle, said device comprising a block adapted for being detachably connected with the body of the nozzle, said block having a recess in the nozzle side thereof, said block being adapted for sealingly clamping a trip mechanism actuatin diaphragm to the nozzle body thereby to confine a vacuum chamber with said diaphragm, a venturi element in the block, means for supplying air under pressure to the inlet of said venturi element, the outlet of said venturi element discharging to the atmosphere, a vacuum passage in the block leading from the throat of said venturi element to said recess, and means associated with the block for connecting a vacuum relief tube thereto and including a relief passage leading from said relief tube to said vacuum passage.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,222,923 Warrick Nov. 26, 1940 2,874,735 Boone Feb. 24, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 311,515 Italy Oct. 3, 1933 

1. IN AN AUTOMATIC NOZZLE HAVING AN AUTOMATIC TRIP MECHANISM THAT INCLUDES A DIAPHRAGM RESPONSIVE TO A REDUCED PRESSURE FOR ACTUATING SAID TRIP MECHANISM, MEANS ENTIRELY INDEPENDENT OF THE FLOW PASSAGE THROUGH THE NOZZLE FOR CONTROLLING THE PRESSURE ON SAID DIAPHRAGM, SAID MEANS COMPRISING A VENTURI ELEMENT OUTSIDE THE NOZZLE FLOW PASSAGE AND HAVING ITS OUTLET END OPEN TO THE 